An Art Fair, reimagined

Free event features exhibition, Cusses show

The Sept. 23 opening of Matt Hebermehl's "Birds in Flight" exhibit was unusual not only because it marked the first time that the Telfair Museums have allowed art to be hung in the Jepson Center atrium.

It was also unusual in that it brought a very large number of young people to the event - a large enough number that the Telfair Museums took serious note.

So it was only natural that they would try to capitalize on that success by tweaking their beloved annual event, the Telfair Art Fair, to spice things up a little for a younger audience.

In addition to the stimulating (and free!) two-day juried art show and sale in beautiful Telfair Square by over 70 local and regional artists there will also be a free "afterparty" Friday night featuring one of Savannah's favorite bands, Cusses.

"That opening definitely influenced the decision," says Telfair Museums Marketing Director Kristin Boylston. "When that night happened we said, ‘what can we do to make this happen more often?' So this was an idea that came up with a group of people brainstorming."

The Cusses show isn't the only performance featured at the Art Fair. The artist Zan will perform in Telfair Square in a free show early Saturday evening. "We hope people will come like they do for Picnic in the Park," Boylston says.

"The Saturday concert is probably for the broadest audience. We saw that as a way for families attending to stay later and extend the experience if they want to, because it will be family-friendly," she says.

The Garrison Elementary School band will perform periodically in Telfair Square throughout the day Saturday. A "Children's Art Fair in the Square" will feature children's activities including a clown and a moon bouncer.

But in all, the Friday evening affair is definitely the most newsworthy new development.

"That's important for us to do, but a drastic step away from what we've done in the past," says Boylston. "We're opening the doors, hoping people will come to see the Modern Masters exhibit since all the galleries will be open, and hoping to get an audience we probably wouldn't get to the Art Fair."

Not all the art will be on display in the square. A special "Open Art" exhibit will be in the Jepson's Eckburg Atrium, featuring new and emerging artists who aren't part of the juried show in the square, but are seeking further exposure.

Telfair Art Fair

When & Where: Members-only Arty Party at the Jepson Center for the Arts is Fri. Nov. 12, 7 p.m. The Cusses show is 9 p.m.-midnight Friday in the Jepson Center. Telfair Art Fair in Telfair Square is Sat. Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 14, 12-4 pm.

Cost: Admission to the Arty Party Preview on Friday is $75 per person for current and renewing members and $100 per person for first-time members (includes a one-year membership). The Telfair Art Fair Saturday and Sunday is free and open to the public.

Tickets: Arty Party ticket info is online at www.telfair.org or at 912/790-8869.